Spend Spring time in the Midi-Pyrénées

From historic sites and sporting activities to fabulous food—get a taste of the region in spring

South western France is a hotspot for vacationers seeking R&R and the Midi-Pyrénées region can offer just that. If you are planning a trip in the spring, you might want to consider adding these places and activities to your itinerary.

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Go to Lourdes

This Catholic place of pilgrimage is famously known as the site of the 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary, seen in a grotto in 1858. However, this market town has a much bigger legacy dating back to Roman times. The 1,000-year-old château-fort, which houses the Pyrenean Museum, is a popular attraction for the five million pilgrims and tourists who visit every year.

Insider tip: Every April, Lourdes hosts the week-long Lourdes Festival of Religious Music with over 400 choir singers and ensemble performers celebrating the town’s religious legacy.

Visit the Fources Flower Market

Situated in the Gers department in Midi-Pyrénées, the quaint town of Fources is known for its peculiar circular ‘bastide’ structures. Hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Fources’ glory lies in its scenic setting, which makes it the perfect place to host the flower festival. On the last weekend of every April, the town centre turns into a floral dream with vibrant flowers and plants taking over.

Insider tip: While you are here, make sure to stop by The D’Artagnan Museum in Lupiac.

Enjoy the views from Pic du Jer

Overlooking the town of Lourdes is the majestic Pic du Jer, which is marked out by a big cross that’s lit up at night. To explore the place, take the funicular railway, a century-old attraction, up the hill to Sainte Marie des Neiges and then follow the walking trail. The downhill journey is best enjoyed via a bike ride, and you can enjoy the 5km stretch of cross-country terrain.

Insider tip: When you reach the upper station, spend some time at the observatory from where you can take in the panoramic view of the town of Lourdes.

Sample the local produce

The Midi-Pyrénées region is home to some of the freshest produce, and it would be a shame to miss out on the gourmet delights here. The Haricot Tarbais, apparently brought back from America by Christopher Colombus, and undoubtedly one of the best varieties of white beans in the world, are exclusive to the Haute Pyrénées region and features in the local cuisine—particularly in cassoulet. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the fresh fruits this area is known for—from Chasselas grapes and Quercy melons to greengages and even walnuts. Quercy black truffles, found exclusively in the Lot department, are another speciality of the region and stand as a testament to the haute cuisine here.

Insider tip: Walnuts are an intrinsic part of the region’s food heritage. The four variants—Marbot, Corne, Grandjean and Franquette, which come with an official Appelation d’Origine Controlee status, are used to produce oil and liqueurs that are worth sampling.

Eat a Croustade aux Pommes

An apple tart, this delectable dessert goes from simple fare to gourmet delight when the apples are flambéed with Armagnac—another gustatory wonder from Gascony. Don’t be fooled by its humble presentation though; thin sheets of light-as-air filo pastry dusted with sugar encase these brandy-soaked apples (and sometimes prunes), teasing the palate.

Insider tip: Traditional farmer’s markets, open in the mornings, are the best place to get premium ingredients if you’re going to try your hand at this.